Newcastle United legend Malcolm Macdonald enjoyed Andy Carroll's performance in West Ham United's 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

Carroll was criticised by the United camp for his physical approach, though he won great praise from neutrals for his up-and-at-'em display.

Supermac wrote in the Daily Mail: "There was absolutely nothing wrong with Andy Carroll's challenge which took out David de Gea and Patrice Evra. If it had been 20 years ago.

"When I was playing in the 1970s it was commonplace to see half a dozen aerial assaults like that in one game. It was the challenge designed to take out keepers and defenders - anyone standing in the big centre forward's way. It was the norm. And it didn't always have to be the strikers.

"I shall never forget, when I was at Newcastle, John McNamee trundling up from the back with intent for corners and set-pieces. As he came into the six-yard box, you could see opposition defenders thinking: 'Please go to the other post, stay as far away from me as possible.'

"He even scared his team-mates. His intention was to wipe out anything in his path. And he was very good at it. So is Andy Carroll."